Tuesday, February 17, 2026 / by Ryan Huemmer
Headline: ?? Is the Madison Spring Market Calling Your Name?
Big things are happening in the Dane County real estate market this February! ?? From mortgage rates hitting near three-year lows to a "healthy recalibration" in local pricing, there is a lot for both buyers and sellers to be optimistic about as we head into spring.
Here’s the Monthly Minute breakdown:
?? Rates are down: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate averaged 5.875% as of Feb 12th a significant drop from last year that could save you hundreds every month.
?? Home values remain strong: The median sale price in Dane County rose to over $513k in January, up 7.73% from the previous year.
?? More breathing room: Homes are spending an average of 51 days on the market, giving buyers a bit more time to make informed decisions.
Whether you’re looking in Madison, Middleton, or Cottage Grove, the "Spring List ...
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Friday, January 30, 2026 / by Ryan Huemmer
Top 10 Things to Do Before You Start Thinking About Buying a Home
Buying a home is exciting but the smartest buyers don’t start with open houses. They start with preparation. As Madison, WI Area real estate experts, The Huemmer Home Team has helped thousands of buyers across Dane County and South Central Wisconsin make confident, successful moves. If you’re even thinking about buying a home in the next 6–24 months, these are the top 10 things you should do before you officially begin the process.
1. Get Clear on Why You Want to Buy
Before numbers, neighborhoods, or Pinterest boards, define your motivation. Are you looking for stability, more space, investment potential, or a lifestyle change? Your “why” will guide every decision, from location to price point and help you avoid buyer’s remorse later.
2. Take a Hard Look at Your Credit
Your credit score directly impacts your mortgage options and interest rate. P ...
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Friday, January 23, 2026 / by Ryan Huemmer
Your Complete Path to Homeownership: A Step-by-Step Guide from The Huemmer Home Team
Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll make in your lifetime. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, or looking to upgrade to a larger property in the Madison area, understanding the home buying process can help you navigate this exciting journey with confidence. At The Huemmer Home Team, we've guided countless families through every phase of homeownership, and we're here to break down the entire process into three manageable phases.
Phase 1: Preparation & Search – Laying the Foundation for Success
The journey to homeownership in Sun Prairie begins long before you step foot in your first open house. The preparation phase is crucial for setting yourself up for success in Wisconsin's competitive real estate market. The first critical step is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. This process involves verifying your income, checking ...
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Wednesday, January 21, 2026 / by Ryan Huemmer
401(k) Home Buying Plan: What Madison Area Home Buyers Need to Know
If you're searching for homes in Madison, Middleton, Sun Prairie, or anywhere in Dane County, you've likely felt the squeeze of today's housing market. Between higher mortgage rates and substantial down payment requirements, getting into your dream home can feel out of reach. But a new proposal could change the game for Wisconsin homebuyers looking to tap into their retirement savings.
Understanding the Proposed 401(k) Down Payment Plan
National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett recently unveiled details about a forthcoming plan that would allow Americans to withdraw funds from their 401(k) retirement accounts to make down payments on homes. It's generating significant buzz among prospective homebuyers in Madison and throughout Wisconsin.
The proposal aims to address a critical challenge facing local buyers. According to Hassett, the typical down payment needed to purchase a home has jumped from approximately ...
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Wednesday, November 19, 2025 / by Ryan Huemmer
First-Time Home Buyers Are Now 40......But Here’s How You Can Become a Homeowner Sooner
Local guidance from The Huemmer Home Team – over 2,000 homes sold
The latest NAR data shows the median first-time home buyer in the U.S. is now 40 years old, up from 38 last year. Affordability challenges, high interest rates, other debts, cost of living, and limited starter-home inventory all play a role in pushing first-time purchases later in life.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to wait until 40 to buy a home, especially here in Wisconsin. With the right strategy, preparation, and local expert guidance, you can get into a home years sooner than the national average.
Below are practical, real-world steps to accelerate your timeline toward homeownership.
1. Start With a Realistic Budget & a Pre-Approval
Even if you think you’re “too early,” talking to a lender months or even a year before buying sets you up for success.
Benef ...
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